Braelyn Hines cannot move and exercise as much as most children his age, but the swimming pool is where he truly blossoms.
Although Braelyn does not always have access to a therapy pool, where he is motivated to exercise and improve his physical and mental health, his family is making sure that their “fish out of water” will soon be able to swim freely, with the help of the community.
When Braelyn, now almost 11, was born, he was a healthy infant with no foreseeable mental or physical disabilities. But within five months, he had contracted bacterial meningitis, and the effects would stay with him for life.
As a baby, Braelyn suffered strokes and seizures that caused significant brain damage. He had a permanent shunt placed to drain fluid from his brain. For a long time, he did not express emotions and was unable to communicate.
“It was a very scary time for us,” Braelyn’s mother, LaKeesha Hines, said. “They were basically preparing us for him not to make it.”
Fortunately, one nurse’s prediction that Braelyn would survive came true.
He began physical, occupational and speech therapy as a baby, and did not take his first independent steps until age 6. He now communicates through sign language and pictures, and often uses a wheelchair.
But it was at age 4 that the Hineses started aquatic therapy with Braelyn, and it turned out to be an effective breakthrough. Braelyn began to strengthen his muscles and relieve his stress. His self-injurious behavior, which had been borne out of frustration from his inability to communicate easily, began to subside.
“We finally found something that he loved,” Braelyn’s father, Willie Hines, said.
Braelyn has continued aquatic therapy ever since, as well as swimming lessons at the YMCA. These activities are a great way for him to get exercise and improve his overall health, because he cannot move and play as much as other children his age.
But aquatic therapy sessions are only weekly, and swimming lessons are available only in the summer. Braelyn’s therapists have suggested that Braelyn’s family install a therapy pool in their backyard, so he can have daily access to a pool that fits his needs.
The Endless Pool will allow Braelyn to swim against a constant current to strengthen his muscles. There will be a treadmill on the pool floor so that he can work on his walking skills and balance, as well as exercise that way.
The Hines family hopes to have this pool in place by Braelyn’s 12th birthday. They are rallying support for “Braelyn’s Brigade” through events and online fundraising to offset the pool’s $30,000 price tag.
“It takes a team to do this; we can’t do it by ourselves,” LaKeesha said.
Donations can be made at gofundme.com/kbjhyk.
“We’re going to make it happen, no matter what it takes,” Willie said.
EVENTS
Check the Facebook page “Braelyn’s Brigade” for updates on these events as more details are confirmed. To order tickets or sponsor an event, contact LaKeesha and Willie Hines through the Facebook page or at support4caregivers@live.com.
Braelyn’s Birthday Party
WHEN: 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 18
WHERE: Edward Medard Regional Park, 5726 Panther Loop, Plant City
DETAILS: The community will celebrate Braelyn’s 11th birthday with games, prizes, music and food. The park at large offers boating, paddling, inline skating, fishing, a playground and horseback riding. This event will also benefit other students with disabilities at Willis Peters Exceptional Center.
Women’s Empowerment Social & ‘Sister Swap’
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9
WHERE: USF Alumni Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. ALC 100, Tampa
Details: The theme of this event is “clearing the clutter.” Each attendee is asked to bring one household item she does not use, which she can swap for an item that someone else brought. Guest speakers will address tips for maintaining a clean house and a clean heart. This event will also benefit The Spring of Tampa Bay.
Fishing Tournament
WHEN: June
WHERE: TBD
DETAILS: Whether fathers and their sons, or other men and the boys they mentor, attendees will bond as they learn how to fish together. Awards will be given for the biggest fish, smallest fish and most fish caught.
Formal Dinner
WHEN: 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
WHERE: USF Alumni Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. ALC 100, Tampa
DETAILS: As guests enjoy an elegant meal and time of socialization, they will learn more about Braelyn’s story and what it is like to be the parents of a disabled child. This event will also benefit St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.
Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.